Groot DermaSurgery Centre - Certified Non-hospital Surgical Centre

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is generally the treatment of choice for unwanted blood vessels on the legs. A sclerosing solution called Sclerodex is injected with a very fine needle into the unwanted blood vessels. Larger vessels are treated with a foaming irritant. The irritating solution causes the lining of the vein to become inflamed and the walls to adhere to each other thereby preventing blood from flowing into the vein. Over a period of weeks, the vessel closes off permanently preventing further influx of blood into the vein.

before & after photos

Before

After

Before

After

Quick Facts

Description: Injection of benign spider and varicose veins of the the legs, using a sclerosing solution to close off the vessels making them less visible.

Average Cost: $250.00 per session for superficial vessels; $600 per leg for foam sclerotherapy; $150.00 for support stockings for deep vessels.

Length of Procedure: 15 to 45 minutes per treatment.

In/Outpatient: Outpatient.

Anesthesia: None.

Recovery Time: Return to work immediately or next day. Moderate exercise in 24 hours. May need to wear support hose or a compression wrap for two days to two weeks.

Treatment Frequency: Touch ups will be required from time to time as new veins become dilated and visible.

Risks: Bruising at injection site, pigmentation changes.

Duration of Results: Long-lasting; however, sclerotherapy does not prevent new veins from appearing.

Sclerotherapy is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

Although large areas may be treated in a single session, a number of sessions may be required for substantial fade or complete resolution of the problem. Disappearance of the vessels depends on the following factors: the size of the injected vessels, the type and concentration of the sclerosant, the skill of the operator, the post-procedural care and the nature of the vessels. Although new spider veins may appear, the injected veins usually do not return.

Some care is required after treatments to ensure optimum results. It is recommended that patients take it easy for at least 24 hours after their treatment. Patients are advised to avoid high impact aerobics and jogging which encourage the appearance of new small blood vessels. Walking, swimming, cycling, rowing and other fluid exercises are preferable. Pools, hot tubs and baths should be avoided for at least seven days after a treatment. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or more should be used for at least 6 weeks after a treatment.

If larger veins are treated it is necessary to wear special heavy-duty support stockings for several days to encourage the collapse of the veins.